Garda forensic experts have declared the fire which severely damaged a Co Longford pet food factory yesetrday to have been an industrial accident.
The Garda Technical Bureau today carried out a forensic examination of the C&D Foods factory in Edgesworthstown after 60,000 square feet of the 100,000 square foot plant was destroyed by fire.
Gardaí focused on the cold-storage section of the cannery where the fire started. It is understood they have concluded that overheating machinery was the likely cause and foul play has been ruled out.
A meeting was held for the workers at the Park House Hotel where social welfare officials outlined workers entitlements. Siptu advised workers to sign on tomorrow as they will be entitled to payments after three days out of work.
Niall Philips, from Siptu's Longford branch, said there were no alternative jobs for workers in the area as it was only three years since the Glanbia bacon factory in Rooskey was destroyed by fire, with the loss of 350 jobs.
Only around 50 of the 500-strong C&D Foods workforce have been able to continue working, and yesterday C&D managing director Philip Reynolds said Siptu had been informed that temporary layoffs for around 450 people are inevitable.
Mr Reynolds told ireland.comafter meeting fire officers yesterday that the structure housing the manufacturing plant was "unstable" and the machinery within was "beyond repair". "We're in a situation where we have to replace both," he said.
He also said he could not promise the plant would be rebuilt without properly assessing the damage first.
Last night former taoiseach Albert Reynolds, who founded the factory in 1969, said everything would be done to secure the 500 jobs at risk. All production at the plant has been halted and the main work area was destroyed by the fire.
Mr Reynolds who visibly distressed at the scene of the fire yesterday, said the blaze was a disaster for the area.
"We just don't know, we have to try everything, and try everything we will and Philip I tell you is not interested in sleep. He is interested in doing whatever he can because there is such a loyal staff in the place," Mr Reynolds said.